PIA Report Provides Profiles of U.S. Print Markets

With 45,181 establishments and 1,113,119 employees, the U.S. printing industry shipped $155,504,750,000 worth of printed material in 2002, according to the latest edition of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation/Printing Industries of America (GATF/PIA) Print Market Atlas.

Presenting data on national, regional, state and local print markets, the Atlas estimates the size of the U.S. printing industry and breaks down data by print market segments and employee size of establishments.

“America’s printing industry is undergoing historic changes and it is extremely difficult to keep up with those dynamic trends,” said Dr. Ronnie H. Davis, PIA’s chief economist. “Over the last two years in particular, the changes in shipments, printing plants and employment have dramatically altered the landscape of print markets in virtually all states and product segments. Printers and suppliers trying to keep up with these changes can use the latest Atlas to evaluate their markets and identify opportunities.”

The Print Market Atlas can also help printers estimate their market shares in particular local, state, regional and national product markets and compare their operations with those of other printers. Additionally, when used in conjunction with PIA’s Ratio Reports, the Atlas can help suppliers estimate regional, state and local market potentials for ink, paper and other consumables or capital equipment.

The 2003 GATF/PIA Printer Market Atlas is available as a 278-page paperback book for $200 ($99 for GATF/PIA members) and in digital form on a CD-ROM, which allows users to manipulate the data on printing establishments by sorting them by sales territories. The Atlas and CD-ROM set are available for $500 ($250 for GATF/PIA members. More info: PIA, 100 Daingerfield Road, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 519-8100; fax: (703) 548-3227; e-mail: gain@printing.org or GATF 200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143, (412) 741-6860; fax: (412) 741-2311; e-mail: info@gatf.org.

Study on Reverse Auction Survival Available

According to a new study, Strategies for Reverse Auction Survival, in this soft economy, print buyers are turning to reverse auctions and insisting that their print providers participate. To assist printers, this study, published by the E-Business Council (ECBs), offers insight, tactics and checklists for creating a pro-active strategy. Strategies for Reverse Auction Survival advises printers to identify goals, select an auction team and identify strategies prior to participating in reverse auction.

Readers will learn abut the mind-set and perspective of this type of print buyer and what benefits theyanticipate receiving. The study profiles printers who have participated in reverse auctions and their perspectives. More info: PIA at (703) 519-8100; fax: (703) 548-3227; e-mail: gain@printing.org.

SGIA/DPI and RadTech Form Digital Committee

Representatives of Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association International (SGIA) and Digital Printing and Imaging Association (DPI) and its membership recently formed a joint committee on digital UV printing technology with member of RadTech, the association for UV and EB technology. The committee discussed the current state of digital UV technology, recent developments and technological challenges for the future.

The committee focused on the needs of technology users, who are looking for technological improvements, reliability, safety, environmental protection and system integration. The goal of technological flexibility was also discussed.

“The newly-formed committee will be integral in helping the UV technology community develop digital UV systems that complement the needs of SGIA/DPI members,” said Michael Robertson, president and CEO of SGIA/DPI.

“With the exciting outlook for digital UV printing, our committee will help insure efficient, user driven development of the technology,” said Gary Cohen, executive director of RadTech. “The vision and leadership shown by SGIA/DPI and RadTech members in the creation of this committee serves as a model for industry collaboration in product development.”

The ad-hoc committee will facilitate information exchange and promote educational opportunities related to the technology. The committee marks the first time RadTech has partnered with an industry association to support development of a specific technology.

For more information on the committee or its activities, contact Dan Marx SGIA/DPI, (703) 385-1335; e-mail: dan@dpia.org.

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